A Journey Through History and Architecture

Amsterdam’s canal system, built between 1600 and 1670, was a marvel of urban planning and engineering. Cruising through these 400-year-old waterways, visitors pass by elegant canal houses, arched bridges, and tree-lined embankments that showcase the city’s architectural charm.

Most tours include live or audio-guided commentary, revealing fascinating facts about landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Westerkerk Tower. Guides often highlight the distinctive gabled façades of canal houses and their clever use of limited urban space.

Types of Canal Cruises

Amsterdam’s boat tours cater to every traveler’s preference and budget. Some of the most popular options include:

• Classic Daytime Cruises: Ideal for first-time visitors, these tours offer an overview of the central canals with commentary in multiple languages.

• Evening or Candlelight Cruises: These romantic rides showcase Amsterdam illuminated at night, with reflections dancing across the water.

• Luxury Dinner Cruises: Combining fine dining with scenic views, these tours feature multi-course meals and Dutch wine pairings for about €80–€120 per person.

• Small-Group and Private Tours: Perfect for a personal experience, these intimate trips navigate quieter canals and hidden waterways.

• Party Boats: Featuring music, cocktails, and LED lighting, they’re a lively choice for celebrations or group outings.

• Amsterdam Waterbus: A budget-friendly, hop-on-hop-off service (tickets around €15/day) connecting major attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and A’DAM Lookout Tower.

Seasonal Highlights and Best Time to Visit

The best time for boat tours in Amsterdam is from April to September, when the weather is mild and the tulips bloomacross the countryside. However, autumn brings a special beauty as the golden leaves reflect on the water. Winter cruises, often paired with hot chocolate and mulled wine, provide a cozy atmosphere under twinkling lights.

Dining and Culinary Cruises

Some operators elevate the experience with culinary cruises, where visitors can enjoy traditional Dutch dishes such as bitterballen, Gouda cheese, and stroopwafels. Companies like Lovers Canal Cruises and Blue Boat Company are known for their high-quality dining experiences.

Sustainable and Electric Boat Tours

In recent years, Amsterdam has led a sustainability shift toward electric and solar-powered boats. Operators such as Those Dam Boat Guys, Flagship Amsterdam, and Pure Boats have adopted silent engines and eco-friendly operations, preserving the delicate canal ecosystem.

By 2030, the city plans to ban diesel-powered tourist boats entirely, making electric canal tours the standard — a step toward greener tourism and cleaner waterways.

Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Routes

While most tourists focus on central Amsterdam, lesser-known canals in neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp offer a quieter charm. Private charters often explore these routes, showcasing local houseboats, secret courtyards, and boutique cafés nestled along the water’s edge.

Photography and Experience Tips

For the best photos, sit on the starboard side during daytime cruises and bring a polarizing lens filter to reduce glare. Bridges such as the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and views of the Seven Bridges Canal are particularly photogenic, especially at sunset.

It’s also worth noting that boat tour tickets can be purchased at key points like Damrak Pier, Museumplein, or Central Station, with prices ranging from €18–€25 for standard one-hour tours. Online booking is recommended during summer to skip long queues.

Summary

• Amsterdam’s canals were built in the 17th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Standard canal tours cost €18–€25; dinner cruises range from €80–€120.

• Amsterdam Waterbus provides affordable hop-on-hop-off access for €15/day.

• Electric boats are replacing diesel, with a full green transition planned by 2030.

• Major departure points: Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Central Station.

• Peak season: April–September; winter cruises offer seasonal charm.

• Best photo spots: Magere Brug, Seven Bridges, Jordaan canals.

Additional Updated Information (2025)

In 2025, new premium experiences include open-top solar boats and interactive augmented-reality tours, offering real-time overlays of historical scenes. The Amsterdam Light Festival (Dec–Jan) remains one of the most popular annual events, where artists transform the canals with illuminated sculptures — best viewed via night cruises.

Travelers can purchase the I Amsterdam City Card (from €65/day), which includes one free canal cruise, entry to top museums, and unlimited public transport.

What are the best times to take a boat tour in Amsterdam?

The best times to take a boat tour are during spring and summer when the weather is pleasant, although autumn offers beautiful scenery as well.

Are there dining options available on boat tours?

Yes, many boat tours offer dining experiences where guests can enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine while cruising the canals.

How do I find eco-friendly boat tour options?

Look for tours that specifically advertise electric-powered or sustainable practices, as these options reduce environmental impact while providing a serene experience.

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Day 1 – Iconic Venice

• Begin at Piazza San Marco. Wander past the soaring spires of St. Mark’s Basilica, marvel at its mosaics, then climb the Campanile for panoramic views over Venetian rooftops and the lagoon.

• Next door is the Doge’s Palace, where you can walk state rooms, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and learn about Venice’s political past.

• Board a vaporetto on the Grand Canal—Venice’s main artery. Ride past grand palazzi, bridges, and water-gates, hopping off at landmarks like Rialto Bridge or Santa Maria della Salute.

• In the afternoon, dive into quieter neighborhoods such as Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. These sestieri (districts) hold narrow canals, historic churches, artisan shops, and authentic cafés far from mass tourism.

• As dusk falls, take a gondola ride—ideally through lesser-known canals—to capture the city’s soft glow and intimate ambiance.

• For nightlife, Campo Santa Margherita is lively with bars, street musicians, and a youthful evening vibe.

Day 2 – Art, Food & Hidden Gems

• Spend a morning at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in a palazzo on the Grand Canal. The collection features key 20th-century European and American works, and many days include free presentations in the gallery or garden. The museum opens 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is closed on Tuesdays. The regular adult admission is about €16, with discounted rates for students.

• After the museum, stroll through the artsy Dorsoduro district or walk toward Accademia Bridge and visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia for Venetian masters.

• For lunch, try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at local bàcari (wine bars) or enjoy seafood risottos in canal-side osterie.

• In the late afternoon, rent a small boat (or join a guided boat trip) to explore hidden canals—those narrow waterways that fewer tourists see—especially around the Giudecca or Cannaregio Canal.

• Keep an eye on special seasonal events: for example, Venice celebrates Festa del Redentore in mid-July, marked by spectacular fireworks over water and temporary bridges connecting Giudecca to the city.

• As evening deepens, wander the lantern-lit alleys, pause at waterside restaurants, and absorb the reflections dancing on the canals.

Summary & Useful Details

• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located between the Accademia Bridge and Santa Maria della Salute, on the Grand Canal.

• The museum’s opening hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, with Tuesday closures.

• Adult admission is around €16, with discounts (e.g. to €14) for seniors, students, and various membership holders.

• There are free presentations in the museum (on Peggy’s life or works of art) offered daily for visitors.

• Venice has introduced a day-trip access fee (around €5) for non-overnight visitors on certain peak dates between 8:30 am and 4 pm to reduce overtourism.

• Venice has banned personal recreational boats (kayaks, paddle boards) on major canals like the Grand Canal to reduce congestion; only licensed operators are allowed in many main waterways.

• The Festa del Redentore is held on the third Sunday of July each year; it features fireworks over the lagoon and special processions across temporary floating bridges.

What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are relatively lesser.

How do I get around Venice’s canals?

The most efficient way to navigate Venice’s canals is by using the Vaporetto, the public water bus, which connects various locations throughout the city.

What are some must-try foods in Venice?

Some must-try foods include cicchetti, squid ink risotto, and tiramisu, which are local favorites reflecting Venetian cuisine.

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Whether you’re looking for an apartment, hotel, house, youth hostel, a bed & breakfast, a house exchange — we have it. If you’re the adventurous type looking for something a little different, check Cozy Milan rentals.

1. Take a selfie with the middle finger

This ubiquitous symbol of human mockery stands right in front of Milan’s stock exchange headquarters in Piazza Affari. The provocative Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan created it in 2010 and it was initially supposed to be a temporary installation. However, clearly seeing the humor in the statue, the local government decided to leave it there permanently. Cattelan never commented on the meaning of the sculpture, so you’re free to interpret it as you wish.

The Middle Finger in Milan | Photo: Joyce S. Lee

2. Discover the Navigli antique shops

Milan’s version of Venice is a small quarter with a few canals, a few boats and some floating restaurants (but no gondolas, sorry). Bustling with bohemian energy, Navigli is known for its flea markets and creative atmosphere. Unlike the city’s famous shopping malls and boutiques, which offer the latest crazes (at the highest prices), here you can find retro fashion treasures to impress even the strictest hipsters. Stepping inside the antique stores along the Ripa di Porta Ticinese is like entering into a past reality, one where you can find 50-year-old Chanel bags among collections of original clothes from a range of iconic brands.

Navigli’s Canals, Milan | Photo © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

3. Catch a glimpse of the Horned Madonna

If you dare to see Mary and Jesus with devil’s horns, follow the streets after Porta Ticinese to Sant’Eustorgio Basilica. Once there, enter the Portinari Chapel and hear the strange story behind the unusual fresco of Mary and Jesus with horns. The chapel is dedicated to the Dominican priest Pietro di Verona, who had been converting followers of the Catharism heresy movement back to Catholicism. Once, he attended a Catharist gathering where it was said that the Madonna was seen. Pietro di Verona did see the Madonna, but he also saw that she had horns on her head, leading him to believe that she was the Devil in disguise. When Pietro offered the Devil a piece of sacramental bread, he ran away. A group of nobles, however, didn’t approve of Pietro’s preaching and sent two assassins to kill him. Thus Pietro di Verona is usually depicted with an ax in his head, a reference to his grisly death.

The Horned Madonna in Milan

4. Witness the future of eco-tech at Bosco Verticale – the green vertical forest towers

The forest towers project had gone viral even before it started. Bosco Verticale, meaning Vertical Forest, consists of two residential towers (26 and 18 floors respectively) designed by Boeri Studio, featuring hundreds of trees and shrubs planted all over the edifices to absorb the notorious Milan smog and to produce oxygen. The forest is located quite far from the main tourist area, but you can reach it easily by subway (get off at Garibaldi FS or Isola stations).

Bosco Verticale in Milan

5. Indulge in aperitivo at Leonardo’s Vineyard

You’ve already marveled at Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, now it’s time to cross the street and visit Leonardo’s Vineyard. Back in 1498, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, gave a vineyard to Leonardo. Sforza was hoping to turn the Basilica Santa Maria Delle Grazie (which houses the Last Supper) into his family mausoleum and he wanted to create a neighborhood surrounded by his most loyal supporters, Leonardo among them. After almost two decades under French rule, Leonardo won back the vineyard a little before his death. The area was completely forgotten until 1919, when it was identified by architects and historians, still almost entirely intact. Unfortunately, a massive fire and new urban plans destroyed what had been preserved for centuries. In 2015, the vineyard was restored using the original vine in its original rows. Now in the vineyard’s cafe you can sip coffee or join the Saturday aperitivo at 5:45 pm (reservation required).

Note: You should book your ticket well in advance. Visitor information here.

6. Smell basil and thyme in the Botanical Garden

There’s a little-known garden, just a street away from the popular Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can stroll among rows of spices and actually rub their leaves between your fingers to release their aroma. The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera) is free, and it also offers free walking tours on Saturdays (a reservation is required).

Read more about the Botanical Garden here.

Orto Botanico di Brera (Botanical Garden) in Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

7. Discover a copy of the Last Supper by one of Leonardo’s apprentices

Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of those buildings that looks like just another church until you learn that it holds a fascinating secret inside. Besides being one of the oldest churches in Milan (originally built in Roman times), it is home to a perfect copy of Leonardo’s Last Supper, painted by one of his apprentices. Some parts of this version are better preserved than the original, so you can take a close look at some of the mysteries of the famous mural – all the saints and Jesus have halos except Judas or the feminine face of John, for example.

The Last Supper copy at San Lorenzo church, Milan

8. Dine while riding a retro tram

Trams produced in Milan were exported all over the world, as far afield as San Francisco. They are an integral part of the city life, but one of them, a dark green, respectable retro machine, is more than just a means of transport. The ATMosphera tram is a traveling restaurant, serving your dinner at 8 pm while you zigzag between the main attractions of Milan. Indulge in a set menu and enjoy your complimentary wine, but remember to book your seat in advance. More information here.

ARTmosfera Tram in Milan

Bonus secret place:

The human skulls church – Santuario di San Bernardino Alle Ossa

Italy seems to have some strange idea of what to do with human skulls and you can stumble upon bone structures across the country, the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo probably being the most popular. Milan doesn’t lag behind with the small ossuary of the San Bernardino Alle Ossa church. The reason why it all started was that in 1210 the nearby graveyard ran out for space and a respectful space for the bones had to found. They stored them in a special building next to the church decorating the niches and doors with bones and skulls too. It’s a 5-minute walk from Duomo. When King Joao V of Portugal saw the church, he built a similar structure in Evora, Portugal.

Address: 4, Via Carlo Giuseppe Merlo. Opening times: 7:30 am – 6 pm (there’s a break 12 am – 1 pm).

READ MORE:

8 SECRET LOCATIONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH ITALY (+ map)

12 UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE (+ map)

Here’s a map of all the places mentioned to plan your route in Milan:

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So, why not drop your bag off instead of dragging it around? From luggage lockers to manned left luggage offices, Stasher has got you covered. Find Milan luggage storage with Stasher and make the most of your time in the city!

Read more about ITALY.

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Why do I say “unique”?

The village of Giethoorn is located in the province of Overijssel, in the municipality of Steenwijkerland (I know, I can’t pronounce those either). But those tongue-twisting names don’t make it unique – the fact that there are practically no roads and people use boats as their main means of transport, on the other hand, does.

That is also the reason why it is often called “Venice of the Netherlands”, with the difference that instead of Venetian Gothic buildings, you can enjoy views of thatch-roofed farm houses and over 180 rustic wooden bridges – sounds a bit like a fairy tale, doesn’t it?

Dinghy, canoe or punt boat?

It is possible to rent the kind of boat that most appeals to you, with day rates around 30-50€.

And if you don’t feel comfortable grabbing the paddles with your own hands, you can always join a guided boat tour for less than 10€.

Another option to help you sail your way around the canals is to rent an inflatable ball, allowing you to ‘walk on water’ – though it is not exactly sailing, it sure is a fun way to get around.

Enough with the water, but not enough with Giethoorn

Though boating is the main tourist attraction in the town, it is not the only way to spend some quality time.

Bearing in mind that this is, after all, a Dutch town, you can be sure that the bike scene won’t disappoint you. There are, of course, many opportunities to rent a bike or join a bike tour to explore the town and the picturesque Dutch countryside.

And if you prefer good old walking, set out on the 15-km Giethoorn Walking Route, which will lead you to another nearby water village – Dwarsgracht.

You can also easily reach several museums, including “ ‘t Olde Maat Uus”, which is actually a typical farm where you can see how life in Giethoorn has changed over the past 100 years. There’s also the stone and minerals museum called “The old Earth”, and “The Histomobil”, which displays a great collection of old cars and motorcycles.

And if you believe that trying the local food is a must for every trip, worry not – there are more than enough restaurants here. You can sample a dish that is even harder to pronounce than the name of a Dutch city!

Interesting facts:

• When the first inhabitants of the town first arrived, they found thousands of horns of wild goats who had died in a flood. That is the story of  how the town got its name, which literally translates as “goat horn”.
• The town was the set of a famous 1958 Dutch comedy: Fanfare. Watch the black-and-white movie masterpiece for some more Dutch vibes.

 Not so interesting, but helpful facts:

• To get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by train takes about 2 hours. From Amsterdam Central Station you take the train to Steenwijk station (the fare costs about 20€). From Steenwik station take bus 70 to the center of Giethoorn (there are buses every hour from 6.25 to 18.25 Monday-Friday; from 8.51 to 18.51 on Saturday and from 9.26 to 18.26 on Sunday).
• You can check the train timetables on this site.
• You can find an organized day trip from Amsterdam for about 100€.
• Arrive as early as possible, especially during the high season, to be sure that you can find a free boat to rent.

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